Lord of the Flies Forum

what do you learn about jack when he slashed the green candle buds?

We see his innate violence, selfishness, and impatience. The boys comment on the beauty and that these could not be lit like real candles. Jack slashes one open, remarks that they are no good to eat, and then he moves on. He is not thinking about rescue--just about his own belly.

We see that this choir boy carries a knife! That is the part that amazes me the most. Here we have the chief chorister and head boy of a church choir, singing holy anthems . . . and carrying a dangerous weapon under his robe. The sacred outward appearance covers a profane and violent interior.